Earth Sciences – Jack Pierce – MS 2 GeologyGeology AstronomyAstronomy MeteorologyMeteorology OceanographyOceanography 1

What is Earth Science?? Explores the scientific study of all aspects of earth Explores the scientific study of all aspects of earth atmosphere, oceans atmosphere, oceans minerals, rocks, soils minerals, rocks, soils deserts, mountains deserts, mountains How is the Earth studied? – Science asks deeper questions How do “things” work and why? How do “things” work and why? Why have glaciers retreated and advanced Why have glaciers retreated and advanced over geologic time? over geologic time? What effects might happen to natural earth What effects might happen to natural earth processes if they were inadvertently changed? processes if they were inadvertently changed? 3

4 What questions do you have about your earth? How do you think these questions are answered with accuracy? How do you think these questions are answered with accuracy?

How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? The Scientific Method A set of logical steps scientists use to “get to the truth” of processes acting in the universe Making Observations Collecting facts, asking why questions Collecting facts, asking why questions Making Observations Collecting facts, asking why questions Collecting facts, asking why questions Formulating a Hypothesis (predictions as to why) Explaining how and why it works (after fact- finding), “educated guessing” Explaining how and why it works (after fact- finding), “educated guessing” Formulating a Hypothesis (predictions as to why) Explaining how and why it works (after fact- finding), “educated guessing” Explaining how and why it works (after fact- finding), “educated guessing” Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting) performing experimentations that test the accuracy of the hypothesis performing experimentations that test the accuracy of the hypothesis Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting) performing experimentations that test the accuracy of the hypothesis performing experimentations that test the accuracy of the hypothesis 5

How do we find “accuracy” in our answers How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? The Scientific Method Scientific Theory well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view that explains observable facts that explains observable facts Scientific Theory well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view that explains observable facts that explains observable facts Scientific Law or Principle natural phenomena are observed to happen in natural phenomena are observed to happen in the same way – no deviations have ever been the same way – no deviations have ever been observed observed Scientific Law or Principle natural phenomena are observed to happen in natural phenomena are observed to happen in the same way – no deviations have ever been the same way – no deviations have ever been observed observed 6

The Scientific Method If you fail, try try try again. If you fail, try try try again. 7

The Scientific Method in Action-- Astronomy C. Ptolemy Almagest – accepted the geocentric model over the heliocentric model A.D. 90 – N. Copernicus Continued with the heliocentric theory– -- and was widely accepted J. Kepler Developed the three planetary laws of motion Revolutionizedastronomy Isaac Newton Described the 3 laws of motion, Universal Gravitation, showed earth and planetary bodies are governed by universal laws of physics – thus ending geocentric theory Observation/ Experimentation/ Theory 1,650 years of scientific method AstronomyTimeline 10

II Earth Science. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes. Discuss with a friend: 1.Explain why the scientific method is a useful tool for learning about the a useful tool for learning about the processes that occur in our universe. processes that occur in our universe. 2Define the steps within the scientific method. method. 9 IC

Earth System Science – How does the view of Earth influence the way we study earth? Various “systems” within the earth that interact with one another -– called Earth System Science Systems are NOT individually studied Systems are NOT individually studied How one system impacts another How one system impacts another system system Various “systems” within the earth that interact with one another -– called Earth System Science Systems are NOT individually studied Systems are NOT individually studied How one system impacts another How one system impacts another system system System: An integrated set of “parts” that work together to accomplish a goal or task (objective) System: An integrated set of “parts” that work together to accomplish a goal or task (objective) 11 Give an example of various systems. How do you think earth processes interact? How do you think earth processes interact?

Earth as a System: How systems exchange matter and energy Earth as a System: How systems exchange matter and energy SUN Isolated System Isolated System No exchange of matter or energy No exchange of matter or energy SUN Closed System Closed System Exchange of energy but not matter Exchange of energy but not matter SUN Open System Open System Exchange of both matter and energy Exchange of both matter and energy Which system is the Earth? 12

The Fragile Earth – A CLOSED system: “There is no away to throw things to.” X x x Any change in a closed system will affect other Any change in a closed system will affect other systems. systems. The amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t got The amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t got no more” --- This is all we have. no more” --- This is all we have. When we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste will When we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste will remain within the closed boundaries of earth. remain within the closed boundaries of earth. 13

II Earth Science. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes. Discuss with a friend: 1.Define a system as discussed in earth science. earth science. 2. Differentiate between an open, closed, and isolated system. and isolated system. 3. Explain why earth is considered a closed system. system. 14 IC

The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by four interrelated open systems. The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by four interrelated open systems. Lithosphere Represents the solid earth: minerals, rocks, and interior Lithosphere Represents the solid earth: minerals, rocks, and interior Atmosphere: Thin blanket of gas keeping life alive, warm, and protected Atmosphere: Thin blanket of gas keeping life alive, warm, and protected Hydrosphere: Interaction of all water processes, only planet with water, 71% ocean 12,500 feet deep, streams, lakes, groundwater Hydrosphere: Interaction of all water processes, only planet with water, 71% ocean 12,500 feet deep, streams, lakes, groundwater Biosphere: Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air Biosphere: Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air Geosphere Interaction of all open systems Geosphere Interaction of all open systems 15

How the 4 major open systems are divided into open subsystems: Hydrosphere: oceans, streams, lakes, groundwater, glaciers, raindropsAtmosphere: high/low pressure systems, clouds, atmospheric layers, interaction of atmospheric gasses layers, interaction of atmospheric gassesLithosphere: plate tectonics, minerals/rocks, rock cycle Biosphere: separating different species of animals and plants plants 17

II Earth Science. Discuss with a friend: 1.Define the following: lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere atmosphere 2.Provide an earth process that takes place between two open systems. place between two open systems. 3. What is the meaning of geosphere? 18

An Important Aspect of Earth Science The earth maintains balance between the The earth maintains balance between the open systems through positive and negative open systems through positive and negative feedback mechanisms. feedback mechanisms. An Important Aspect of Earth Science The earth maintains balance between the The earth maintains balance between the open systems through positive and negative open systems through positive and negative feedback mechanisms. feedback mechanisms. Positive feedback Positive feedback works to change the system Negative feedback works to resist the change change the system Working to change the system and working to resist the changebalance resist the change maintains balance within the system. change the system Working to change the system and working to resist the changebalance resist the change maintains balance within the system. 19 weight gain example “Tug of War”

Positive/Negative Feedback Example: negative Earth’s climatic system – positive/negative feedback Positive feedback SUN Ocean water vapor –increases air temperature water vapor –increases air temperature Evaporates sea water Evaporates sea water Negative feedback Increasing evaporation (working to change the system) Increasing evaporation (working to change the system) Water vapor condenses, forming clouds Water vapor condenses, forming clouds Reflecting sunlight Decreasing evaporation (working to resist change) Decreasing evaporation (working to resist change) Ocean Atmosphere maintains balance. 20

II Earth Science. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes Discuss with a friend: 1.Describe the meaning of positive and negative feedback mechanisms. negative feedback mechanisms. 2. Explain how positive and negative feedback mechanisms keep the earth feedback mechanisms keep the earth balanced. balanced. 3.Think of at least 2 positive/negative feedbacks that balance the earth. feedbacks that balance the earth. 21 IC

GeologyGeology AstronomyAstronomy MeteorologyMeteorology OceanographyOceanography Aspects of earth science:

Geology – the study of the earth Physical Geology: Materials that comprise the earth rocks, minerals, earth’s interior processes acting below and above the surface Physical Geology: Materials that comprise the earth rocks, minerals, earth’s interior processes acting below and above the surface Historical Geology: Understand the earth’s origin and development understand the chronological order of geologic events over 4.6 b.y. The geologic time scale Dating various geologic events The significance of fossils Historical Geology: Understand the earth’s origin and development understand the chronological order of geologic events over 4.6 b.y. The geologic time scale Dating various geologic events The significance of fossils 23

Physical Oceanography: The study of the ocean floor including: Ocean chemistry Physics Sea floor geology Coastal processes Sea floor topography Physical Oceanography: The study of the ocean floor including: Ocean chemistry Physics Sea floor geology Coastal processes Sea floor topography 24

Meteorology: Study of the atmosphere and processes that produce climate and weather Meteorology: Study of the atmosphere and processes that produce climate and weather 25

Astronomy: The study of the universe the earth’s place in our universe the origin of our earth how earth is related to all other objects in the universe Astronomy: The study of the universe the earth’s place in our universe the origin of our earth how earth is related to all other objects in the universe 26

II Earth Science. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes Discuss with a friend: 1.Provide a definition and example for each discipline found in ES. each discipline found in ES. 2. Explain why the earth is a closed system. system. 27

8. SUN Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Asteroid Belt Outer planets Jovian planets Gas planets Inner planets Terrestrial planets The earth’s place in the solar system Low densities High densities 28

The earth’s interior Inner Core Solid- Ni, Fe 12.5 g/cm 3 Outer Core Molten – Ni, Fe 11.5 g/cm 3 Mantle -Solid Si,O,Fe,Mg,Ca 5.5 g/cm 3 Temp: 5000 C Source of magnetic field Asthenosphere ductile rock Mantle Core Lithosphere Cont/ocean crust Upper mantle 2.8 g/cm 3 Crust Why are densities arranged from heavy (core) to lightest (crust)? Chemical Differentiation 29

What makes earth unique?? Oxygen, water, life oxygen atmosphere no O 2 on other planets the hydrologic cycle Soil accumulation weathering of rocks various soil types Plate Tectonics moving continents formation of landforms from interacting plates Oxygen, water, life oxygen atmosphere no O 2 on other planets the hydrologic cycle Soil accumulation weathering of rocks various soil types Plate Tectonics moving continents formation of landforms from interacting plates 30

II Earth Science. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes. Discuss with a friend: 1.Name the planets in their proper order. 2. Describe the layering of the earth using lithosphere, asthenosphere, using lithosphere, asthenosphere, mantle, and core; explain properties. mantle, and core; explain properties. 3. Describe chemical differentiation. 4. Present at least 3 reasons why the earth is unique. earth is unique. 33

Humans and Our Earth How long have humans inhabited the earth? Jan Age of dinosaurs Age of dinosaurs 4.6 billion years Man began inhabiting the earth (2 million years ago) -- December 31, the last 30 seconds of the year!!!! How has man impacted earth in the last 5000 years (the beginning of reasonably modern times) How has man impacted earth in the last 5000 years (the beginning of reasonably modern times) 34

How does the earth’s population grow?? 6.5 billion Production of food Enough food produced famine Paul Ehrlich-Stanford University food supplies will fall short, and food supplies will fall short, and famine will follow. famine will follow. Paul Waggoner – an agronomist using current technology, using current technology, productivity increases far productivity increases far beyond population growth. beyond population growth. 35

So, why study Earth Science? We depend on earth’s resources. where to find resources and how to manage the resources So, why study Earth Science? We depend on earth’s resources. where to find resources and how to manage the resources Understand earth (geologic) hazards how earthquakes, land sliding, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornados, “just to name a few” processes, work! Understand earth (geologic) hazards how earthquakes, land sliding, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornados, “just to name a few” processes, work! Understand the complexity of the interactions between the earth’s spheres open system relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere Understand the complexity of the interactions between the earth’s spheres open system relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere Oh yeah, so you get your science requirement! 39

II Earth Science. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes. Discuss with a friend: 1.Explain why earth science is important to study, even for a non-scientist. to study, even for a non-scientist.